Ferocious Elegance - Some cars grab your attention for sheer elegance, others for unrelenting power. Few manage to combine both in a way that feels completely alive—and the Aston Martin DBS ‘Octavia’ is one of those rare machines. Imagine the timeless grace of a 1971 DBS fused with raw American muscle, then elevated to an entirely new level of performance and style. That’s exactly what the Ringbrothers achieved with over 12,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship.
The 2025 Aston Martin DBS 'Octavia' by Ringbrothers. (Picture from: BBC_TopGear in X)
At the heart of Octavia lies a monstrous 5.0-litre supercharged V8 from Ford Performance, bolstered by a 2.65-litre supercharger. Together, they unleash a staggering 805 horsepower, all channeled through a six-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. The result is a driving experience that blends classic British sophistication with unfiltered American aggression—a true transatlantic powerhouse.
The 2025 Aston Martin DBS 'Octavia' by Ringbrothers. (Picture from: TopGear)
The transformation doesn’t stop at the engine. The DBS’swheelbase has been stretched by three inches, wrapped in a fully custom chassis from Roadster Shop, and reinforced with an integrated structural roll cage. The car rides on independent rear suspension, complemented by C7 Corvette sway bars, Fox Racing dampers, and Brembo brakes. Every mechanical detail is designed to ensure that 805 horses are harnessed safely while delivering a ride that’s thrilling yet precise.
The 2025 Aston Martin DBS 'Octavia' by Ringbrothers. (Picture from: TopGear)
Visually, Octavia is a masterpiece. Its body is fully sculpted from carbon fiber, capturing a “Coke-bottle” curvature with wider front and rear sections that echo the original DBS design without feeling retrograde. Designer Gary Ragle’s touch gives it a muscular yet elegant stance, paying homage to William Townsend’s classic lines while asserting a bold, contemporary presence.
The 2025 Aston Martin DBS 'Octavia' by Ringbrothers. (Picture from: TopGear)
Step inside, and the attention to detail is equally striking. Carbon fiber and stainless steel mingle with sumptuous leather, creating a cockpit that feels both modern and luxurious. There are playful touches too: a dipstick handle shaped like a martini glass, valve covers that read ‘Aston Martini,’and an array of cameras inspired by the gadgets of a certain famous spy. Jim Ring summed it up perfectly: this is the car you’d imagine an MI6 agent taking on vacation—a combination of style, cunning, and unstoppable performance. | pcKVjOAQ_cA |
Octavia isn’t just a car; it’s a statement of what happens when meticulous craftsmanship meets imagination and audacity. It proves that a classic can be reborn with ferocity without losing its soul. Aston Martin’s DBS has always been a symbol of refined power, but with the Ringbrothers’ touch, it transcends its era to become a modern legend that commands attention wherever it roams. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BBC_TOPGEAR IN X | TOPGEAR ]
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Racing Purity - In today’s automotive world, where technology often takes center stage and comfort dominates design, there are still a few creators who chase something purer. Not every driver dreams of silence and automation—some still crave the raw, visceral connection between car and driver. That philosophy is what led Steve Nichols, an engineer with one of Formula 1’s greatest success stories under his belt, to create a supercar that strips things back to their essence: the Nichols N1A ICON 88.
The Nichols N1A ICON 88 is a lightweight supercar inspired by F1 engineering, crafted by Steve Nichols, the mastermind behind one of Formula 1’s greatest success stories. (Picture from: Motor1)
Nichols may not be a household name, but his legacy speaks volumes. He was the mind behind the McLaren MP4/4, the car that redefined dominance during the 1988 F1 season. Decades later, he returns not with a digital showcase or hybrid experiment, but with a machine that feels like it rolled straight out of the racing paddock and onto the open road.
The Nichols N1A ICON 88 is a lightweight racing barchetta reimagined for the street, built with a carbon-fiber body reinforced with F1-derived graphene. (Picture from: Motor1)
The Nichols N1A isn’t just another performance car—it’s a lightweight racing barchetta reimagined for the street. Beneath its carbon-fiber body, reinforced with graphene straight from Formula 1 materials science, lies a naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V8. Starting from a GM LS3 block but reengineered with bespoke pistons, rods, and a dry-sump system, the engine delivers 650 horsepower. Power goes to the rear wheels through a custom six-speed manual gearbox designed in-house, ensuring the driver feels every shift.
The Nichols N1A ICON 88 is powered by a reengineered 7.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 from a GM LS3 block producing 650hp, delivered to the rear wheels through a bespoke in-house six-speed manual gearbox for an unfiltered driving experience. (Picture from: Motor1)
Numbers tell only part of the story. The N1Aweighs just 1,984 pounds, making its power-to-weight ratio around 720 horsepower per ton—territory normally reserved for pure race cars. Aerodynamics were shaped in the MIRA wind tunnel for the perfect balance between downforce and drag, while suspension and brakes come directly from racing know-how. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, mounted on staggered 19- and 20-inch wheels, provide grip that matches the car’s uncompromising character.
The Nichols N1A ICON 88 weighs just 1,984 pounds with a power-to-weight ratio of 720 horsepower per ton, its aerodynamics honed in the MIRA wind tunnel, suspension and brakes derived from racing expertise. (Picture from: Motor1)
What makes this car truly special, though, is how little stands between the driver and the road. Modern driver aids are kept to a minimum. Traction control is included, but ABS and even power steering are optional extras. It’s a bold choice in today’s market, but one that ensures the experience is as authentic as it gets.
The Nichols N1A ICON 88 features a cockpit focused on purity, with a reclined seating position, analog gauges, and a prominent gear lever in a purposeful space enhanced by machined aluminum controls and premium leather trim that never distract from the act of driving. (Picture from: Motor1)
Inside, the cockpit continues the focus on purity. A reclined seating position, analog gauges, and a prominent gear lever create a space that feels purposeful and direct. Machined aluminum controls and premium leather trim show attention to detail, but nothing distracts from the job of driving.
The Nichols N1A ICON 88 wears Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires on staggered 19- and 20-inch wheels, providing the grip to match its uncompromising character. (Picture from: Motor1)
The N1A is also the first chapter for Nichols Cars, the company Steve Nichols founded in 2017 with CEO John Minett. Their mission was clear from the beginning: build a driver’s car that honors classic racing DNA while using modern engineering precision. That’s where the “ICON 88” designation comes in. The first 15 units ofthe N1Awill be built as a tribute to each of the 15 victories achieved bythe McLaren MP4/4during the 1988 season. Beyond their exclusivity, these cars mark a symbolic bridge between Nichols’ groundbreaking past and his bold step into creating his own brand.
In a landscape where many supercars aim to be faster by being smarter, the Nichols N1A dares to be different. It isn’t about digital speed records or futuristic gimmicks—it’s about bringing back the raw thrill of driving, crafted by someone who understands it at the highest level. For those who still believe the best cars are the ones that speak directly to the driver, Steve Nichols has built a machine that proves simplicity, when done right, can be just as extraordinary as complexity. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NICHOLS-CARS | MOTOR 1 ]
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Fearless Elegance - Sometimes in the automotive world, a single bold idea can ignite more excitement than a hundred safe releases. Back in the early ‘90s, Lamborghini embraced that daring spirit and delivered something so striking it still turns heads today—the ingenious concept of the Lamborghini Diablo Roadster. It wasn’t just a car; it was a statement of pure imagination on wheels, born at a time when the brand itself was navigating turbulent waters.
The Lamborghini Diablo Roadster prototype while sat in display at the Lamborghini Automobile Museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy. (Picture from: Dyler)
When the Diablo Roadster prototype made its debut at the 1992 Geneva International Motor Show, it carried the kind of presence only Lamborghini could pull off—loud, elegant, and dripping with confidence. At that time, Lamborghini was under the ownership of Chrysler Corporation, a partnership that had its share of growing pains.
The Lamborghini Diablo Roadster Concept aimed squarely at the sun-soaked roads of California, promising a thrilling blend of exotic Italian flair, open-air freedom, and raw, unrestrained speed. (Picture from: Forum.Forza.net)
While the Americans hoped to maximize returns without heavy investment, the reality was far messier. Sales of the standard Diablo weren’t hitting expectations, so the company needed something fresh, something to remind the world why Lamborghini was the name you whispered when talking about the ultimate dream car.
The Lamborghini Diablo Roadster Concept debuted at the 1992 Geneva Auto Show, featuring a removed carbon-fiber roof, a short visor in place of the windshield, a reinforced chassis, roll bars behind the seats, and iconic scissor doors. (Picture from: HotCars)
That “something” became the open-top vision ofthe Diablo. Imagine the already aggressive stance of the coupe, but with the wind ready to whip through the cabin, the exhaust snarling louder under the open sky. The conceptaimed squarely at the sun-soaked roads of California, promising a mix of exotic flair and raw speed. | 5rvBKyJpUAQ |
But despite the applause it received in Geneva, the project stalled
almost immediately after returning to Lamborghini’s headquarters. The
company’s finances couldn’t support full production, and the Roadster seemed destined to remain a one-off showpiece.
The Lamborghini Diablo Roadster reimagined by Walter Koenig by taking a standard Diablo coupe platform. (Picture from: Pinterest)
Enter Walter Koenig, a master of automotive customization who refused to let the idea fade away. Taking a standard Diablo coupe, Koenig and his team transformed it into a roadsterthat wasn’t just a roofless version of the original—it was a reinvention.They sculpted new bodywork, added dramatic styling cues, and, in a move true to Lamborghini’s over-the-top ethos, fitted a monstrous twin-turbocharged V12. The result was a 750-horsepower beast with a mechanical gearbox, extreme rear tires, and just enough wildness to make it feel alive in your hands.
The Lamborghini Diablo Roadster reimagined by Walter Koenig, sculpted new bodywork, added dramatic styling cues, and, in a move true to Lamborghini’s over-the-top ethos, fitted a monstrous twin-turbocharged V12.(Picture from: Dyler)
This wasn’t a car for gentle Sunday drives. It was unruly, unapologetic, and thrilling—exactly what supercars should be. Even with its imperfect handling, the Diablo Roadster concept proved that Lamborghini could blend elegance and insanity in perfect measure. Koenig’s work kept the spirit alive until 1995, when Lamborghini finally launched the Diablo VT Roadster, bringing a more refined version of the dream to the streets.
The The Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster was finally launched by Lamborghini in 1995, offering a more refined way to experience the dream — driving a raging bull with the wind over your head on the open road.(Picture from: Dyler)
Looking back, the original Roadster concept wasn’t just a prototype; it was a glimpse into the fearless heart of Lamborghini. It captured a moment when creativity outran corporate caution, when the company dared to show the world something audacious even if the odds were stacked against it. And that’s why, decades later, it still holds a place among the most fascinating chapters in the brand’s history—a reminder that in the world of supercars, boldness is the real engine that keeps the wheels turning. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DYLER | HOTCARS | STEEMIT | FORUM.FORZA.NET | DREAMSTIME | KIZOOLSIZAM IN X ]
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Heritage Hybrid - In a world where car design is constantly evolving—especially with the help of AI—it's not unusual to see digital mashups that blur the lines between reality and imagination. Platforms like social media are full of creations that look almost believable: a Citroën front, a Renault 8 rear, and a name like Citronault 8 that sparks curiosity.
The Citronault 8 is believed to be an AI-generated imaginary car, blending the front of a Citroën 2CV with the rear of a Renault 8. (Picture from: phn16 in X)
Yet behind these AI-generated fantasies lies the story of a real hybrid, a charming oddity born not from digital dreams, but from practical needs and creative thinking—meet the Citroneta, a classic French-Chilean crossbreed that once ruled the roads of South America.
The first version of the Citroneta was launched in 1957, featuring only two doors and a simple, utilitarian design tailored to meet the basic transportation needs of the time. (Picture from: Citroenet.org.uk)
The tale of the Citroneta begins in the mid-20th century, during a time when Citroën was spreading its wings beyond France. While the company had already begun selling cars in several countries, the 1950s marked a new era of global ambition. By 1955, Citroën had officially landed in Chile, setting up a local subsidiary called Citroën Chilena S.A.in the city of Arica. What started as a typical overseas operation quickly turned into a unique chapter in automotive history.
The Citroneta—its name blending “Citroën” and “camioneta” (Spanish for small truck or van)—was more than a modified 2CV, emerging as a distinct vehicle of its own, with early models powered by a modest 425 cc engine producing around 13.5 horsepower. (Picture from: Citroenet.org.uk)
By 1957, Citroën's Chilean team was not content with simply assemblingthe standard 2CV. They had a bigger vision—one that reflected the everyday lives of Chileans. The designers got to work crafting a body that could handle both urban commutes and rural tasks. Chilean farmers needed to carry produce, animals, and supplies, while city residents sought a reliable and affordable way to get around. So, the engineers ditched the convertible roof and created something new: a two-door pickup-style vehicle with an open boot—practical, sturdy, and undeniably quirky.
The manufacture of the Citroneta began in Arica toward the end of the 1950s, marking a unique chapter in Chile’s automotive history. (Picture from: en.Escuderia)
The result was the Citroneta, a name combining “Citroën” and “camioneta” (Spanish for small truck or van). It wasn’t just a modified 2CV; it was a new character altogether. The first models came with a modest 425 cc engine pushing out around 13.5 horsepower, but that was enough to win hearts. In a time when massive American V8s dominated fantasies, the little Citronetamade people laugh—but then, it made them proud. It became the first car many Chileans could afford, and in time, the one they’d never forget.
In the 1960s, a new version of the Citroneta was introduced, featuring four doors and a trunk lid, offering greater convenience and practicality. (Picture from: en.Escuderia)
Locally made parts helped keep production costs low, while the chassis and engine still arrived from France. That mix of local ingenuity and French engineering proved to be a recipe for success. Chilean streets began to fill with these unique pickups, and soon, nearly everyone had a story involving a Citroneta. Whether hauling fruit or driving families through town, the car was more than transportation—it was part of the cultural fabric.
The Citroneta’s 4-door version came equipped with a functional trunk lid, giving the vehicle a more refined and complete appearance while still maintaining its rugged utility and practical design suited for everyday use. (Picture from: Citroenet.org.uk)
As the years went by, the Citroneta evolved. In the early 1960s, it gained four-door versions and a trunk lid, giving it a more refined look while maintaining its rugged utility. Later, a more traditional pickup-style version emerged, with squared-off edges more in line with European van designs. But it never lost its charm or its identity as something distinctly Chilean.
The Chilean factory also developed this distinctive pick-up version of the Citroneta, which was manufactured locally in the late 1960s to suit regional demands. (Picture from: Citroenet.org.uk)
By the end of the 1970s, however, the winds of change were blowing through the global car market. Japanese and Korean automakers were rising fast, offering vehicles that were hard to beat in price and performance. Despite its beloved status, the Citroneta couldn’t keep up. Production finally stopped in 1979, but by then, it had already secured its place in history.
The Arica factory produced this special Citroneta ambulance version in the mid-1970s, designed to meet local emergency transport needs. (Picture from: Citroenet.org.uk)
Today, the Citronetalives on in the memories of those who drove it, in vintage photos, and in the occasional well-preserved example rolling down a Chilean road. It was more than a car; it was a symbol of creativity, adaptation, and a bit of rebellion against automotive norms.
Unlike the AI-born hybrids that fill our feeds with curiosity, the Citroneta was a real, working, practical miracle—a rolling testament to what happens when design meets real-world necessity with a dash of local soul. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CITROENET.ORG.UK | EN.SCUDERIA | PHN16 IN X ]
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Pure Mastery - A new chapter in American automotive craftsmanship is unfolding, and it comes roaring in the form of an extraordinary hypercar. Hennessey has once again pushed the boundaries of speed, design, and personalization with the launch of the one-of-a-kind Venom F5 Revolution LF. This isn’t just another supercar; it’s a bold statement of engineering excellence and pure driving passion, made tangible through power, precision, and individuality.
The Venom F5 Revolution LF, unveiled at Monterey Car Week 2025’s The Quail, is a 2,031 bhp masterpiece built for American enthusiast Louis Florey, embodying Hennessey’s new Maverick division where engineering brilliance meets bespoke creativity. (Picture from: Hennessey in X)
The Venom F5 Revolution LF, revealed at Monterey Car Week 2025’s The Quail, is a breathtaking 2,031 bhp machine built for the American enthusiast Louis Florey. It embodies the essence of Hennessey’s new Maverick division, where the company’s engineering prowess meets bespoke creativity. Every detail of this hypercar, from its Cocoa Brown exposed carbon fiber to its horology-grade switchgear, has been crafted to ensure an intimate connection between car and driver.
The Venom F5 Revolution LF showcases meticulous details, from Cocoa Brown exposed carbon fiber to horology-grade switchgear, all designed to create an intimate bond between car and driver. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Underneath its sculpted body lies a fully upgraded 6.6L twin-turbo Fury V8, now delivering a staggering 2,031bhp—an increase from the previous 1,817bhp. This raw power is channeled through a rare gated six-speed manual gearbox, giving the driver an analog, visceral experience that is increasingly rare in the world of hypercars. Complementing this powerhouse is an all-new carbon monocoque chassis, designed to be stiffer, lighter, and more accommodating, with improved seating ergonomics and a more spacious footwell, making the extreme performance more manageable and engaging.
The Venom F5 Revolution LF stands apart through Maverick’s unmatched personalization, blending solid aluminum center consoles, bespoke finishes, and meticulously crafted details into a driving experience that is deeply personal and unmistakably American in spirit.(Picture from: Autoevolution)
Aerodynamics have received a careful, thoughtful evolution. The LF features a redesigned front splitter, reshaped dive planes, newly integrated louvres, and a rear deck with a subtle lip spoiler, topped by a significantly taller rear wing. These enhancements work in harmony to increase downforce and stability, allowing the car to harness its newfound horsepower safely and effectively. Hennessey’s commitment to performance doesn’t stop at brute strength; the LF’ssuspension has been upgraded to match, providing an environment that is both responsive and exhilarating.
The Venom F5 Revolution LF houses a fully upgraded 6.6L twin-turbo Fury V8 producing 2,031bhp—up from 1,817bhp—channeled through a rare gated six-speed manual that delivers an analog, visceral driving experience uncommon in today’s hypercars. (Picture from: Hennessey in X)
What truly sets this Venom F5 apart is the level of personalization made possible through the Maverick division. From solid aluminum center consoles to bespoke interior finishes, the LF is a showcase of what happens when automotive craftsmanship meets client imagination. Each switch, each contour, and each surface has been considered to maximize engagement, offering a driving experience that is intensely personal and unmistakably American in spirit.
The Venom F5 Revolution LF is more than a hypercar, serving as the pinnacle of Hennessey’s vision while previewing the upcoming Venom F5 Evolution with its 2,031bhp and advanced aerodynamics that bridge one-off mastery with future production standards. (Picture from: Hennessey in X)
This unique F5 LF is more than a hypercar; it represents the peak of Hennessey’s vision for the future. It previews the innovations of the upcoming Venom F5 Evolution, where every vehicle will incorporate 2,031bhp and improved aerodynamic features from the outset, bridging the gap between one-off mastery and future production standards. The LF stands as both a benchmark and an inspiration—proof that American hypercar engineering can rival the best in the world while remaining unapologetically individual. | atL8KKrkhp0 |
With the Venom F5 Revolution LF, Hennessey has redefined what it means to create an American hypercar. It’s not just about speed or power; it’s about the seamless fusion of innovation, artistry, and personal expression. In every curve, every rev, and every shift, the LF delivers a driving experience that is rare, thrilling, and distinctly monumental—ushering in a new era of American hypercar excellence. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HENNESSEY IN X | HENNESSEY | TOPGEAR | AUTOEVOLUTION ]
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Undercover Muscle - Sometimes, the journey to greatness takes the most unexpected path—one filled with disguise, ingenuity, and a little bit of Aussie muscle. In the case of the Chevrolet Corvette C8, that journey began not in the wind tunnels of Detroit or the sketchbooks of stylists, but in the body of an Australian utility vehicle—specifically, a Holden SS-V Ute. This unassuming pickup truck became the unlikely foundation for what would evolve into one of America's most celebrated modern supercars. And if you were on the road during its early testing days, chances are you wouldn’t even know what you were looking at.
The Holden SS-V Ute, nicknamed Blackjack, became the unexpected foundation for what would eventually evolve into one of America's most celebrated modern supercars — the Chevrolet Corvette C8. (Picture from: CarBuzz)
It was called Blackjack, and it looked like something out of a Mad Max fever dream. With swollen fenders, a wide stance, and a massive rear wing, it barely resembled the Holden it was based on. Yet, it still carried its original badges, masking its true identity from the world. Beneath its chopped-up sheet metal, however, was the skeleton of the future: Chevrolet's first-ever mid-engined Corvette.
The Holden SS-V Ute, nicknamed Blackjack, retained its original front-end design, but as the eye moved toward the rear, the illusion gradually unraveled, revealing the unconventional engineering hidden beneath its modified body.(Picture from: Drive)
Blackjack wasn’t just a camouflaged mule. It was a Frankenstein creation, made to push the limits of what the next-generation Corvette could be. From the front, it kept the Holden’s original design, but as you moved toward the rear, the illusion began to unravel. The back end was all business, pieced together with Corvette parts and a mid-engine layout hidden where a bed should’ve been. Inside, the dashboard and interior components were pulled fromthe C7 Corvette, giving engineers the environment they needed to test performance in real-world scenarios.
The
Holden SS-V Ute, nicknamed Blackjack, wore its original badges while
hiding swollen fenders, a massive rear wing, and the disguised skeleton
of Chevrolet’s first mid-engined Corvette beneath its wild, Mad
Max-style bodywork. (Picture from: TorqueCafe)
The vehicle's underpinnings were just as wild. The chassis was crafted from milled aluminum, designed to mimic the future Corvette’s platform. Coil-over dampers on all four corners helped Chevy fine-tune the suspension geometry. And powering this mechanical beast was a 6.2-liter LT1 V8—the same engine found in the C7 Corvette and Camaro SS—paired not with a traditional transmission, but with Porsche’s lightning-fast PDK dual-clutch gearbox. It was a mix no one expected, but it gave Chevy the insights they needed to build a car that could go toe-to-toe with the world’s finest.
The Holden SS-V Ute, nicknamed Blackjack, featured a C7 Corvette dashboard and interior components, providing engineers with a realistic environment to test performance in real-world conditions. (Picture from: Drive)
But let’s not forget the donor itself—the Holden SS-V Ute. A vehicle that, on its own, was no stranger to performance. Born out of Australia’s love for utes that could do more than just haul lumber, the SS-V was fitted with a naturally aspirated V8 and the kind of sporty upgrades that made it feel more like a muscle car than a work truck. From upgraded brakes to a tuned suspension and stylish 19-inch wheels, it was a proper performance machine—just one with a cargo bed.
The Holden SS-V Ute, nicknamed Blackjack, came equipped with upgraded brakes, a tuned suspension, and stylish 19-inch wheels, transforming it into a true performance machine—albeit one that still carried the unmistakable silhouette of a cargo-hauling pickup. (Picture from: HotRodMagazine)
In fact, the Holden VE Ute platform was good enough to spark GM’s interest in bringing it stateside under the Pontiac brand. That plan never made it past the chopping block, as Pontiac’s fate was sealed before it could happen. Yet, a few lucky examples have found their way to the U.S., standing as rare pieces of automotive culture that connect two different continents in a shared love of horsepower and rear-wheel drive.
The
Holden SS-V Ute, nicknamed Blackjack, featured a rear end that meant serious business, pieced
together with Corvette components and concealing a mid-engine layout
precisely where its cargo bed once belonged.(Picture from: CarBuzz)
Eventually, all the wild experiments, camouflaged road tests, and weird parts mashups paid off. The Chevrolet Corvette C8 debuted to immediate acclaim in 2019, marking a new era for the iconic nameplate. With its engine now sitting behind the driver, the C8 was no longer just a fast American car—it was a proper mid-engined sports car. The Stingray alone delivered blistering performance and precision handling, but it was just the start.
The
Holden SS-V Ute, nicknamed Blackjack, was equipped with a mid-mounted naturally aspirated V8
and performance-focused upgrades that made it feel more like a muscle
car than a practical work truck.(Picture from: HotRodMagazine)
Chevy didn’t stop there. The Z06 raised the bar with naturally aspirated ferocity, posting Nürburgring lap times that humbled far pricier machines. Then came the ZR1, where Chevrolet broke from tradition—adding turbocharged power, all-wheel drive, and advanced technology that elevated the Corvette into true supercar territory, even brushing up against hypercars, all while staying well below their price tags. While there’s no footage of the specific test mule, here’s a look at the original Holden SS-V Ute in its untouched, stock form. | cx-FTpMOSnk |
Behind it all, the Holden Ute played its part. An unexpected hero. A secret testbed. A tool that allowed Chevrolet to go undercover and build something revolutionary without tipping its hand. It’s funny how a vehicle designed to be practical and rugged helped give birth to one of the boldest performance cars in American history. Sometimes, brilliance comes wrapped in the most unlikely packaging. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBUZZ | TORQUECAFE | CARANDDRIVER | DRIVE | HOTRODMAGAZINE ]
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At the heart of Octavia lies a monstrous 5.0-litre supercharged V8 from Ford Performance, bolstered by a 2.65-litre supercharger. Together, they unleash a staggering 805 horsepower, all channeled through a six-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. The result is a driving experience that blends classic British sophistication with unfiltered American aggression—a true transatlantic powerhouse. 
Octavia isn’t just a car; it’s a statement of what happens when meticulous craftsmanship meets imagination and audacity. It proves that a classic can be reborn with ferocity without losing its soul. Aston Martin’s DBS has always been a symbol of refined power, but with the Ringbrothers’ touch, it transcends its era to become a modern legend that commands attention wherever it roams. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BBC_TOPGEAR IN X | TOPGEAR ]
